Hello Huntsville, Spirit 94.3, Elliott’s Jewelers and H-E-B present community drive benefiting five local programs
The 4th Annual Rays of Hope Donation Drive-Thru will bring the Huntsville community together Thursday, June 18, 2026, to collect food, clothing, baby supplies, household items and financial contributions for five organizations serving local families.
Presented by Hello Huntsville, Spirit 94.3, Elliott’s Jewelers and H-E-B, the annual drive will benefit Good Shepherd Mission, Care Center Huntsville, SAAFE House, Huntsville ISD Social Services and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
The event will be held from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the H-E-B Huntsville parking lot. Donors should look for the tents and Rays of Hope signage across from the H-E-B gas station.
The donation process is designed to be quick and convenient. Participants can remain inside their vehicles, follow the signs and drive through the designated area, where volunteers will collect their contributions.
Anyone who makes a monetary donation of at least $20 or contributes 20 cans of food will receive a limited-edition Rays of Hope T-shirt.
Cash, checks, Venmo and Cash App will be accepted throughout the day.
Hourly raffles will also be held for those who make monetary donations. Donors will receive one raffle entry for every $20 contributed. For example, someone who donates between 10 and 11 a.m. will be entered into the 10 a.m. raffle. In addition, every person who donates something will receive a Swag-Bag filled with goodies.
Raffle prizes will include jewelry from Elliott’s Jewelers and other items provided by community partners.
H-E-B will also provide free hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the tents. Community members are invited to stop by, make a donation, and enjoy lunch while supporting the participating organizations.
Rays of Hope was created to make giving back simple while raising awareness about organizations that serve Huntsville and Walker County throughout the year. Over the past three years, the event has collected essential supplies and financial donations through the support of residents, volunteers, sponsors and local businesses.
“We are incredibly thankful for the generous support Huntsville has shown Rays of Hope over the past three years,” said Rob Hipp, founder of Hello Huntsville and organizer of the event. “Giving back does not have to begin with a huge contribution. A few cans of food, a package of diapers, a gift card or a financial donation can meet a real need. When people across our community come together and give what they can, it makes a powerful difference.”
Community members are encouraged to donate the following requested items:
- Care Center Huntsville: Baby items, including diapers, lotions and other essential supplies for infants and young children.
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Cash donations to help provide free, age-appropriate books to local children.
- HISD Social Services: Cash donations and gift cards to assist students and families facing immediate needs.
- SAAFE House: New or gently used clothing and household items, nonperishable food, canned goods, boxed pasta and toiletries.
- Good Shepherd Mission: Nonperishable food, canned goods, boxed pasta and toilet paper.
Good Shepherd Mission provides food, shelter and additional assistance to people experiencing difficult circumstances. Donations of shelf-stable food and toilet paper will help the mission meet everyday needs among the individuals and families it serves.
Care Center Huntsville serves women and families by offering support, education and essential baby supplies. Donations such as diapers and lotions can help relieve some of the financial pressure experienced by parents caring for infants and young children.
SAAFE House serves survivors of family violence and sexual assault in Walker County and surrounding communities. New or gently used clothing and household items can help individuals and families as they move toward safety and stability. Food and toiletries also provide practical support during times of crisis.
Huntsville ISD Social Services assists students and families who may be experiencing financial hardship, housing instability or other challenges. Cash donations and gift cards allow the department to respond to specific needs as they arise throughout the district.
Donations designated for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will support early childhood literacy by helping provide free books to enrolled children from birth until age 5. The program encourages families to read together and helps children build home libraries before entering school.
Organizers hope the fourth annual drive will build upon the community support demonstrated during the event’s first three years.
“This event is about neighbors helping neighbors,” Hipp said. “We are grateful for every person who donates, volunteers, sponsors the event or helps spread the word. Every contribution matters, and every contribution helps support people right here in our community.”
The 4th Annual Rays of Hope Donation Drive-Thru will run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 18, in the H-E-B Huntsville parking lot. Donors can find the drive-through tents across from the H-E-B gas station by following the event signage.
